Nigerians are constitutionally empowered to defend themselves against attackers, including in situations involving lethal threats, according to Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Bwala reacted to recent violent incidents, including the killings in the Esiele community in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the abduction of teachers and pupils at LA Primary School. He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to protect themselves.
“The constitution has guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self-defence; you have the right to defend yourself. When your right, my right, and that of my neighbour is put together, it becomes collective rights to defend ourselves and Nigerians have the right to defend themselves. If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Bwala, however, cautioned that firearm possession remains regulated under the law. He noted that while citizens do not have the right to bear certain arms unless permitted, communities can come together to apply to the government for the right to coordinate themselves.
Explaining the government’s position on insecurity, Bwala described criminality as a global challenge but insisted that collective action would help address it.
“Solution is what we all look to; evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government. You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence, we will be able to put an end to it.”
On public reaction to recurring attacks, he noted that citizens will continue to express frustration, acknowledging that people will complain, cry, and mourn because the lives of Nigerian people are being taken away by evil elements.
Bwala also linked rising insecurity to election cycles and societal pressures, pointing out a pattern where crises increase on the eve of elections due to a “crisis economy” that many individuals take advantage of.
“Every eve of elections in Nigeria from 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026, you will see that crisis increases because of the idea of a crisis economy. A lot of people take advantage of that but the will and spirit of the collective people is what will put an end to this situation.”
He concluded by highlighting the vital role of local vigilance groups and security collaboration, pointing to examples like Borno State, where paramilitary organizations provide critical intelligence to law enforcement.
“As a people, we have vigilantes, and in Borno State, we have paramilitary organisations that provide intelligence to law enforcement.”